NBA: Magic nearly blow it, but hold off the Pistons as Paolo Banchero runs the show

A controlled win… then a proper scare

The Orlando Magic beat the Detroit Pistons 123-107, but the final score doesn’t come close to telling the story of a game that went completely off the rails.

Orlando were miles ahead for most of the night, stretching the lead to 26 points before almost throwing it away in the money time. Detroit then ripped off a stunning 33-11 run to drag themselves right back into it and send the building into a frenzy.

But when it looked like the whole thing could flip, the Magic dug in, took back control and banked a huge win in the playoff race.

Paolo Banchero leads the charge

Once again, Paolo Banchero was the main man for Orlando.

The Magic forward put together a strong all-round night with 31 points on 10-of-16 shooting, mixing power with real control on offence. He was especially big during a 12-0 burst late in the third quarter, when Orlando looked to have the thing wrapped up for good.

Paolo Banchero 31 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL, 10/16 FG, 1/2 3FG, 10/10 FT, 76% TS vs Pistons pic.twitter.com/2kSivbSwdk https://t.co/amVAsw1PsR

— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) April 7, 2026

Beside him, Desmond Bane gave Orlando exactly what they needed, chipping in 25 points and hitting back-to-back three-pointers early in the second quarter to put the Magic in front — and, for a while at least, keep them there.

Three quarters of control

For most of the night, Orlando were in charge.

They were sharp at the back, quick in transition and ruthless off Detroit’s 21 turnovers, which let them open the gap fast.

The supporting cast did its job too. Jalen Suggs turned in a complete performance with 12 points, 12 assists, six rebounds and three steals, while Anthony Black’s return from injury gave the bench a real lift with 14 points in just 15 minutes.

Detroit, shorn of key bodies, looked out of their depth for long stretches… until the fourth quarter.

Detroit wakes up and rattles Orlando

With the game seemingly done and dusted, the Pistons suddenly found another gear.

Driven by Daniss Jenkins, Kevin Huerter and Javonte Green, they sparked a furious comeback.

A Jenkins three even cut the gap to three points with a little over four minutes left, and Orlando started to wobble badly.

That 33-11 run ripped the game wide open and raised the real possibility of an absurd comeback.

The Magic dodge disaster

But unlike many teams would have done, Orlando didn’t fold.

In the closing minutes, they tightened up at the defensive end and found just enough offence to stop the bleed and stretch the lead back out.

Cool heads made the difference, and saved them from a collapse that would’ve been brutal in the standings.

A big win in the East race

With this victory, Orlando have now won four of their last five and stay very much alive in the hunt for a direct playoff spot.

With three games left in the regular season, the Magic can still aim for sixth place… but they’re also staring at the possibility of tumbling all the way down to 10th.

In a finish this tight, every win matters. This one, despite the late fright, could matter a lot.

A warning shot before the playoffs

The win is what counts, sure. But this game also sent Orlando a blunt message: no lead is safe.

Against better, more battle-hardened teams, a collapse like that fourth-quarter mess could cost them dearly.

Still, with Paolo Banchero leading the way and the team generally moving in the right direction, the Magic can head into the end of the season with real belief… so long as they stay switched on to the finish.

Discover the rest of the sports news on Mathodds!